Riviera Maya, Mexico — Quintana Roo has set its sights on becoming a leading sports fishing destination with the presentation of the Great Fishing Circuit of the Mexican Caribbean at FITUR 2026, one of the world’s most important tourism trade fairs.
The initiative, unveiled by Governor Mara Lezama alongside Cancún Mayor Ana Paty Peralta, aims to diversify the state’s tourism economy by capitalizing on the region’s established reputation for world-class sport fishing. The proposed circuit links Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Morelos, creating a coordinated calendar of tournaments and events across the northern Mexican Caribbean.
Officials said the project is designed to attract high-value, specialized travelers while extending tourism activity beyond traditional peak seasons. Sport fishing is already a proven draw in the region, with long-running tournaments such as the Cozumel International Billfish Tournament, the Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas in Cancún, and Isla Mujeres’ Don Martín Fishing Tournament drawing anglers from the United States, Europe, and Latin America each year.
Peralta stressed that sustainability is a core pillar of the circuit, with an emphasis on catch-and-release practices, species conservation, and collaboration with local fishing cooperatives. Governor Lezama described the circuit as a first-of-its-kind, statewide effort that reflects Quintana Roo’s broader strategy to position itself not only as a sun-and-beach destination, but as a global hub for responsible sports tourism.
If implemented as planned, the Great Fishing Circuit would place the Mexican Caribbean alongside renowned sport fishing destinations such as Los Cabos and the Pacific coast, while reinforcing the region’s economic and environmental stewardship goals.
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